Sutherland Calls It Quits

Sutherland's tenure at Hickman includes six winning seasons and three district titles, but recent seasons have been mired in mediocrity. Cross-town rival Rock Bridge took down Hickman in the district semifinals on Wednesday. The defeat ensured a third consecutive losing season for the Kewpies with an overall record of 13-15.

"Well, I just thought it was time. Like calling a timeout," said Sutherland. "I think it's time to move on to something else."

While Sutherland said his decision to step down was based primarily on "instincts," he did not rule out a return to coaching elsewhere.

"There might be another coaching job somewhere, but I think it's time to leave Hickman now," he explained.

Sutherland's resignation leaves Hickman Athletic Director Doug Mirts with a second coaching vacancy. Hickman's head football coach, Gregg Nesbitt, stepped down Tuesday to accept a defensive assistant coach position with Central Methodist University.